discriminatory

adjective

dis·​crim·​i·​na·​to·​ry di-ˈskri-mə-nə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce discriminatory (audio)
-ˈskrim-nə-
1
2
: applying or favoring discrimination in treatment
discriminatorily adverb

Examples of discriminatory in a Sentence

The law prohibits discriminatory hiring practices. a company that was fined for its discriminatory practices in the hiring of women
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Disability advocates gathered in front of Hartford’s Superior Court on Thursday to announce a lawsuit that contends that the lower income requirements for the disabled to qualify for Medicaid are discriminatory and violate the state constitution. Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 11 Apr. 2025 Through their own initiatives, these activists have secured equal pay for Paralympic athletes and changed discriminatory terminology in Major League Baseball. Jay Ruderman, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025 In 2023, California’s task force on reparations calculated that the state’s discriminatory practices cost the average African American in California $160,931 in homeownership wealth compared with a white Californian. Calvin Schermerhorn, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2025 Employers should apply policies fairly and consistently to avoid potential discriminatory claims. Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for discriminatory

Word History

First Known Use

1745, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of discriminatory was in 1745

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Cite this Entry

“Discriminatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discriminatory. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

discriminatory

adjective
dis·​crim·​i·​na·​to·​ry dis-ˈkrim-(ə-)nə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce discriminatory (audio)
-ˌtȯr-
: showing discrimination : being unfair
discriminatory treatment

Legal Definition

discriminatory

adjective
dis·​crim·​i·​na·​to·​ry dis-ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce discriminatory (audio)
1
: applying discrimination in treatment
2
: having unlawful discrimination as an effect
discriminatorily adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on discriminatory

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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